Power quality impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on distribution network

This paper investigates the likely power quality impacts of integrating large-scale plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in power distribution networks. The PHEV is modelled as a current harmonic source by using the Open-source Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) and MATLAB software. Time series simulations were conducted to investigate some power quality issues such as voltage profile, line loading and circuit losses under different levels of PHEV penetrations. PHEV has been modelled as a current harmonic source that inject the harmonics to different buses. Results show that the permissible limit to adopt PHEVs on the distribution network is 60%, and above that limit would inflict a serious power quality effect to the distribution network performance.